The Hall of Fame baseball writer went on to point out that Saltalamacchia’s throws to second base averaged 1.95 seconds in Pawtucket this year. Furthermore, the Red Sox could still re-sign longtime backstop Jason Varitek to serve as the backup catcher and a mentor to the younger Saltalamacchia.

“Bringing Jason Varitek back to hit against left-handed pitchers, work Josh Beckett and John Lackey and provide Salty with a mentor seems to make a lot of sense if Martinez is going to move on,” Gammons said.